Nick Saban wonders if sports gambling will affect integrity of the game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Add Nick Saban to the list of those who aren’t sure of the eventual impact on college sports of the Supreme Court’s ruling eliminating a federal ban on sports gambling — but is concerned about potential negative effects.

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday to remove the federal ban on sports betting.

“I almost don’t know what to think,” Saban said. “I’m not opposed to people making wagers on events, sporting events, but I guess the thing that worries you the most is, how could it or would it affect the integrity of the game? That’s always a concern.”

NCAA rules prohibit athletes or staff members from betting on sports or providing information to aid bettors. A 2016 NCAA survey showed 55% of male athletes reported gambling (which isn’t against NCAA rules) — and 24% reported breaking rules by betting on sports — in the past year; those trends were down from previous surveys.

Beyond the concern about athletes or staff members providing information to bettors, college officials have long been worried about the potential for point-shaving.

“Some people would argue that if (sports betting is) legal, there’s less chance for that to happen than if it’s not,” Saban said, “but I don’t know the answers to all those questions.”

The Supreme Court ruling, which frees states to choose their own path in gambling on sports, is unlikely to directly affect Saban’s football program in the near future. The state of Alabama currently doesn’t allow any form of gambling. But neighbors including Mississippi could be among the first states to jump into sanctioned betting on sports.

Although non-sports gambling is not prohibited by the NCAA, Saban said he gets “a little nervous” when Alabama plays in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, “because they’ve got that big casino right across the street” from the team hotel.

“It’s like everything else,” he said. “You try to provide guidelines for your players and make them understand the rules, just like you do with your kids. But you can’t necessarily control everything they do all the time.”